Senior Staff Electrical Propulsion Engineer

At Wisk, we're transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all-electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together toward a sustainable future, solving high-impact problems that have never been solved before. By delivering everyday flight for everyone, we're making it possible to spend less time getting there and more time being there. If you want to be part of shaping the future of mobility, then read on!
We are looking for an Aircraft Engine Designated Engineering Representative (14 CFR Part 23/33 DER) to join our team. The goal of the Sr. Staff Electrical Propulsion Engineer at Wisk is to ensure that the electric propulsion system is developed and certified to a level of safety equivalent to that established by the existing Part 23/33 airworthiness standards. You will provide oversight of the Propulsion Integrated Product Team (IPT) that is designing the electric motors and motor-controllers as the primary source of propulsion for the eVTOL aircraft. This includes oversight of (but is not limited to): Detail Design, Motor Test, Performance Characteristics, Vibration Analysis, Operation Manuals, Overhaul Manuals, Service Documentation, Motor Controls Software / Complex Electronic Hardware, Safety Analysis and Lightning / HIRF Protection; you will be the focal during FAA discussions on these topics.
You will also collaborate with the Electrical Systems DERs that are providing oversight for the Energy Storage and Power System (ESPS) IPT, that is designing the high-voltage power distribution system. You will also collaborate with the Structural DERs to support the oversight of the electrical propulsion system’s installation into the aircraft. 

Why we need you

• Aircraft electric propulsion has been a rapidly emerging technology, with certification guidance published as Part 33 Special Conditions by the FAA and EASA only in the past few years. We need a DER with Part 33 Gas-Powered Turbine and/or Reciprocating Engines expertise that is excited to learn how to apply their knowledge to a Part 23 eVTOL aircraft.
• The successful candidate is already appointed (or can obtain appointment), established and working as a Part 33 Company DER and/or Consultant DER in accordance with 14 CFR section 183.29, holds an engineering degree (or equivalent), possesses technical knowledge and experience, and meets the qualification requirements of Order 8100.8. A candidate that is already working as a Registered Part 33 ODA Representative is also acceptable.

What you will do:

• Become familiar with published industry, FAA and EASA Part 33 Special Conditions for Electric Propulsion Systems, and then act as Wisk’s expert on how to comply with these regulations.
• FAA: MagniX [Docket No. FAA-2020-0894; Notice No. 33-19-01-SC]
• ASTM: F3338-18, Standard Specification for Design of Electric Propulsion Units for General Aviation Aircraft
• EASA: CRI SC E-18 & E-19 for Electric / Hybrid Propulsion Systems
• Establish regular communications with the FAA, to stay updated with any new regulations related to electric propulsion for Part 23 eVTOL aircraft. Work with the regulator to determine new qualifications for powerplant DER’s as it relates to Electric Propulsion.
• Participate in appropriate industry work groups to stay up to date with industry specifications affecting certification of electric propulsion systems.
• Act as an independent reviewer of technical data during development of the electrical propulsion system.
• Provide guidance and feedback to the Propulsion IPT to align the design and development with appropriate airworthiness standards.
• Review the Propulsion IPT’s validation & verification plans, to ensure methods recommended by the IPT provide adequate coverage for certification (this includes review of requirements, design content, analysis, trade studies, reports and traceability).
• Review the Propulsion validation & verification procedures created by the IPT, participate in test setup conformity reviews, and witness the formal testing to ensure alignment with certification requirements.
• Upon finding that the electrical propulsion technical data complies with the appropriate airworthiness standards; approve or recommend approval of the technical data to the FAA for Wisk (the company).

What you have done:

• Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a Part 23/33 Consultant DER, Company DER or Registered Company Representative (as part of an FAA approved ODA).

Desired:

• Engineering lifecycle development (design & test) experience for Aircraft Engines or Power Plants.
• Certification experience for Part 23 Power Plants (Subpart E).
• Prior familiarity with Part 33 Special Conditions for Electric Propulsion.

Who you are:

• You are not afraid to speak up to identify, communicate and help to correct safety related issues.
• You are a highly motivated, self starting individual with a broad set of skills and never afraid of facing complex technical challenges.
• You are a solution oriented individual with a strong analytical mindset.
• You have strong communication skills and can easily tailor your communications to suit the audience.
• You can adapt quickly or propose changes needed to achieve early results in a timely fashion.
• You embrace challenges and take commitments and deliver results within reasonable expectations.
• You are a positive team player.

We are located in Mountain View just a couple of hundred feet from Shoreline Lake and its surrounding walking/jogging trails. We offer a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision and life insurance (company pays 100% of employee premium), alternative work schedule (9/80), flexible time off, 10 company holidays, a 401(k) plan with 50% company matching (no vesting period), commuter assistance, and education assistance. And on top of all that, we also offer a variety of perks such as flight lessons, wellness subsidies, employee referral bonus, charitable giving match, IP bonus program, happy hours and many more. 
Wisk Aero provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Wisk Aero abides by applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 
Wisk Aero is an E-Verify employer.